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The Van Wezel Foundation’s philanthropic purpose has deep roots in the rich cultural history of Sarasota. In 1987, we entered a cultural partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall through its owner, the City of Sarasota. The Hall has served as a beloved performing arts center for over half a century – a home to international creative experiences and a springboard for the Foundation’s educational collaborations.
Now, the Foundation is leading our community into a new era, creating and developing the vision for a contemporary performing arts model of national significance for Sarasota. The venue will be a magnet destination for generations, with the potential to advance education and enrich communities across the state and country.
The mission of the Van Wezel Foundation is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts.
VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020 – 2021
Van Wezel Foundation Board Leadership:
James Travers
Board Chair*
Jenne K. Britell
Board Vice-Chair & Chair of Strategic Planning Committee*
Vern Chalfant
Board Treasurer & Chair of Finance Committee*
Julie Harris
Board Secretary*
Michael Wilson
Legal Counsel
Van Wezel Foundation Board Members:
Ali Bahaj
Chair of Governance Committee*
Gerald L. Biller
Chad Campbell
Mark P. Famiglio
Sharon Hillstrom
Michele Hooper
Dr. Jaih Jackson
David Koffman
Michael Martella
Dr. John Maupin
Elaine McClure
Karl Newkirk
Rochelle Nigri
Walt Pearson
Nanci Ross-Weaver
Chair of Arts Education & Community Engagement Committee*
Charles Wilson
Van Wezel Foundation Ex Officio Board Members:
Mary Bensel
Executive Director, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Cheryl Mendelson
CEO, Van Wezel Foundation
*Executive Committee
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Darrell Ayers
Jackie Griese
Stephen Griese
Ed Maier
Drayton Saunders
Craig Steinhoff
Janet Walter
Christopher Weaver
Patricia White
Janet Winkler
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Herta Cuneo†
John M. Dart
Beatrice Friedman†
John Jakes
Carolyn Michel
Michael R. Pender, Jr.
Harvey Rothenberg†
† deceased
STAFF
Cheryl Mendelson
Chief Executive Officer
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Sasha Hausman, CFRE
Director of Advancement and Strategic Partnerships
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Suzanne Hudson-Smith, CFRE
Associate Director of Leadership Gifts
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Carly Evans
Associate Director of Institutional Giving
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Nancy Denton
Annual Giving and Stewardship Manager
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Colleen Chamberlain
Executive Assistant and Board Administration Manager
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Alyssa Holcomb
Marketing and Communications Specialist
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MAILING ADDRESS: 777 North Tamiami Trail, 3rd Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236
ADMINISTRATIVE ADDRESS: 201 COCOANUT AVE. SARASOTA, FL 34236
Meets all requirements specified by the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act. A copy of the official registration #CH3676 and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 1-800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
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